Tragic Road Accident Claims Life of Millau Rugby Player En Route to Monaco Match

A sorrowful event unfolded over the weekend as Loïc Keita, a 21-year-old rugby player from Stade Olympique Millavois, met with a fatal road accident while traveling to Monaco for a scheduled match against AS Monaco Rugby. Keita, who had recently become a father, was involved in the tragic incident on Saturday, October 26, leading to his untimely demise. The Millau Rugby Club, where Keita played as a right prop, confirmed the news of his passing, expressing deep condolences to his bereaved family through a poignant Facebook post.

The club’s president, Laurent Tabutin, publicly voiced his grief and dismay over the circumstances surrounding the accident, particularly highlighting the adverse weather conditions that had cast doubts on the safety of the journey. Despite some expectations of a postponement due to the stormy weather, the decision to proceed was ultimately upheld, a choice that has since been mired in regret and calls for a reassessment of travel policies under such risky conditions by the French rugby authorities.

In a gesture of solidarity and remembrance, the match proceeded as planned, with the Millau team choosing to play in honor of their late teammate. The hosting team, AS Monaco Rugby, offered the decision of proceeding with the game to Millau, respecting the profound impact of the tragedy on Keita’s teammates and supporters. The rugby community in Monaco extends its heartfelt sympathies to Keita’s family during this profoundly difficult time, underscoring a shared mourning across clubs and fans alike.